​​​The Spike and Tie is the official newsletter of Blackhawk and is published and mailed six times a year to all current members in good standing and associates.

​​As a member, your premier access to the Spike and Tie is an exclusive benefit of membership, providing detailed coverage of local railfan and railroad news, including:
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  • Current Passenger Railroad News
    Coverage of the local passenger rail service, including in-depth coverage our region's Amtrak and Metra service, as well as proposals for expanded services and High-Speed Rail initiatives.

  • Current Freight Railroad News
    The latest railroad news from the Chicago area and around the Midwest, including the latest mergers and infrastructure projects - including stories not covered by the mainstream press or even other railfan publications.

  • Local Events
    A calendar of local events including train shows, open houses, swap meets, and other railfan organization meetings throughout Chicago and the surrounding area.

  • Historical Preservation
    News on local railroad preservation and restoration efforts, including endangered railroad structures and equipment.

  • Historical Railroads 
    Articles about the railroads, interurbans and streetcar systems that have served Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana.
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  • Blackhawk News
    Updates on Blackhawk meetings, projects, activities and special events

Along with the printed version, you can also view past issues of the newsletter below...

Archive

PDF versions of recent Spike and Tie newsletters are uploaded to this page after they have been mailed to all current members.  Right-click on the newsletter and select "Save as..." to download the PDF file.

2026

2025

2024

​​The Spike & Tie is printed by A-Reliable Printing of
Glen Ellyn, Illinois. 

See A-Reliable for all your printing needs.

​Contents © 2026 Blackhawk Railway Historical Society, Inc. - an Illinois not-for-profit corporation.   Photos and images on this site without credit belong to Blackhawk Railway Historical Society or the Public Domain.  Credited photos and images are the property of their owner.  The Blackhawk Railway Historical Society, Inc. is a chapter of the National Railway Historical Society.

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